Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast

Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast: Michelle LaCourse talks Scenic City Collegiate League, summer ball and the portal grind

The Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast is here, and so is Charles Mays. After a spring spent covering Vanderbilt baseball at 247Sports, Charles returns with a rebrand from Fastpitch Wire to the Southeastern Softball Wire, focusing on the footprint across region at all levels. Joining him from Chattanooga is Michelle LaCourse, who breaks down everything coming this summer in the Scenic City Collegiate League. Michelle shares her experience broadcasting Tennessee and UTC softball, calling the SoCon Tournament alongside Jill Jelnick, and the chaos of championship week at the TSSAA State Tournament in Murfreesboro. The conversation digs into the transfer portal landscape ahead of the June 8 opening, with Michelle offering candid thoughts on inflated expectations, why mid-major players should weigh every visit, and the value of putting physical evidence in front of coaches at Portal Day on June 19 at LFO High School. Last summer, every one of the league's 20-plus portal athletes found a new home. Michelle also unveils new layers for 2026: a partnership with Inner Grit for player workouts, a welcome jamboree on June 11, and the debut of the Chattanooga Chill, with league athletes lacing up in exhibition games against the Atlanta Smoke on June 18-20 at Northeast Alabama Community College and again July 13-14 in the Kennesaw area. Plus, why Chattanooga is a softball destination worth choosing over Florida or California, the Lookouts' new ballpark, and the bigger message at the heart of the league: come get your spark back and play loose again. Contact Michelle directly at lacoursem15@gmail.com [lacoursem15@gmail.com] or Coach Tommy at tommytas08@gmail.com [tommytas08@gmail.com]. League overview at americancollegiateleague.com [http://americancollegiateleague.com].

Why Troy Softball Could Surprise the Sun Belt — Coach Eric Newell Interview

Fastpitch Wire Softball's Charles Mays sits down with Troy Trojans head softball coach Eric Newell to talk about the first 23 games of the season, the Sun Belt Conference outlook, and what makes this roster tick. Coach Newell discusses the loss of Kyye Ricks to injury, Megan Loftis stepping into the starting role, Makaley Boswell's monster season at the plate, and the pitching development of Ella Cunningham and Abby Lovell under pitching coach Elizabeth Hightower. He also gets real about the transfer portal's impact on Troy's culture, the parity across college softball, and why the Sun Belt shouldn't be slept on. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:45 First 23 Games: What Coach Newell Likes About This Team 1:45 Stolen Bases, Doubles & Offensive Identity 2:30 Kyye Ricks Injury & Megan Loftis Stepping Up 4:15 Makaley Boswell's Breakout Season 6:00 Sun Belt Preseason Snubs & Motivation 7:45 Non-Conference Takeaways Heading into League Play 8:30 Sun Belt Conference Depth & Parity 11:00 Pitching Staff: Ella Cunningham, Abby Lovell & Coach Hightower's Impact 13:00 Transfer Portal: How It Built Troy's Culture 16:00 Parity Across College Softball This Season 19:00 South Alabama Rivalry Series Preview 20:30 Closing Thoughts & App State Future Matchup

Lady Vols Sweep LSU in SEC Opener: Keeping It Simple, Big Comebacks & Gabby Leach Walk-Off

Charles Mays recaps Tennessee softball’s SEC-opening series sweep of No. 17 LSU at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, highlighting the Lady Vols’ 23-0 start, calm “keep it simple” mindset, and two comeback wins after trailing 4-0 on consecutive days. He features comments from Emma Clarke on visualization and breathing techniques and from Karen Weekly on managing the pitching staff without ace Karlyn Pickens, including uncharacteristic walks and home runs allowed when pitches miss over the plate. Mays praises Tennessee’s dugout communication and clutch hitting, spotlighting Gabby Leach’s 6-for-10 weekend with three homers and six RBIs, including a three-run walk-off after LSU’s pitcher threw 157 pitches. He notes early-season RPI/strength-of-schedule context, urges patience with LSU, and previews Tennessee’s midweek games before a trip to Mississippi State.

Northeast Alabama CC Softball Coach Joe Guthrie on 10-0 Start, Big Wins, and Mustang Standouts

Charles Mays (Mays Sports Media) interviews Coach Joe Guthrie of the Northeast Alabama Community College Mustang Softball program as the team opens the season 10–0. Guthrie discusses the value of scheduling elite JUCO competition, including a three-game series win over McLennan and wins over Georgia Highlands and Central Alabama, and explains how creating a Division I-style atmosphere (including three-umpire crews) helps prepare teams for postseason play despite financial limitations across programs. He credits assistant coach/athletic director Jimmy Kolaitis for the Mustangs’ offensive production and describes the team’s development through fall games against JUCOs and Division I opponents. Guthrie highlights key players and their early-season performances: freshman Marti McCluskey’s versatility, work ethic, and power; freshman Austin McNeece’s high-contact approach; sophomore Chloe Hatch’s athleticism and impact as a leadoff threat; freshman pitcher Addie Edwards’ elite ability and growth with a dominant changeup; and pitcher Skylar Branch’s continued winning track record and improved pitch mix. He also discusses transfers like Emmorie Burke (from UAB) and Francesca Lump (from Memphis), describing them as humble, motivated “bouncebacks” who add experience and leadership. Guthrie emphasizes recruiting for character and team culture, sharing an example of both teams eating together after a close McClennan game and praising sportsmanship on both sides. The episode closes with a preview of upcoming games against Central Alabama and Walters State, and Mays and Guthrie discuss Mays’ expanding coverage beyond softball and the changing landscape of college athletics.

Building a Championship Culture with Coach Donnie Danklefson | Trine University Softball NCAA Division III National Champions

Join Charles Mays from Mays Sports Media and Ricky Bumgardner Jr. as they sit down with Coach Donnie Danklefson from Trine University, the defending NCAA Division III softball national champions. In this episode, Coach D shares insights into his team's remarkable success, recruiting strategies, and the importance of character and culture in building a winning program. The conversation covers the nuances of Division III athletics, the role of community and family, and practical advice for aspiring college athletes. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, perseverance, and the true meaning of teamwork. Don't miss this in-depth look into the world of college softball and what it takes to build a championship team.